Kim to lead Korean Film Council

Gov't org to focus on expanding foreign markets

Kim has been working as acting chairman since last November, when the former chairman Cho Hee-moon ankled.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Kim was chosen for his ability to work closely with people working in the field.

“I’ve seen the problems and conflicts in the field closer than anybody else, because I’ve worked as a film director,” said Kim.

Kim said he would focus on expanding foreign markets.

“The local market is already saturated. We have no choice but to go overseas.” Kim said.

“China, in particular, could be a good opportunity for us, because it is short of content, despite the size of its market and capital. KOFIC will set up initiatives to develop the market,” Kim added.

It is the first time that a movie director has been named as chairman of KOFIC since it launched in 1999.

One of the first graduates of the national film school, the Korean Academy of Fine Arts, Kim debuted with “The Marriage Life” (1992), a romantic comedy that was seen as heralding a new era in Korean filmmaking.

Kim also helmed “Gun and Gun” (1995), “Holiday Inn Seoul” (1997) and “The Great Chef” (1999), among others. His last film, “Sword in the Moon” (2003), was screened in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard.